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How a Reasonable Doctor Should Diagnose and Treat Oligohydramnios Low amniotic fluid can be dangerous at any stage of pregnancy, but it is particularly dangerous during the first two trimesters when an early delivery may be impossible or extremely risky.
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A stillbirth is the death of the fetus, or baby, after the 20 th week of pregnancy. A miscarriage is the death of the fetus in the womb prior to the 20 th week of pregnancy. Complications from a premature birth depend on many factors, including the baby’s lung maturity at birth, birth weight, and gestational age. Depending on the gestational age of the baby, the health of the baby and mother, and the risks to the baby and mother, a doctor may recommend inducing labor or delivering by C-Section. If the amniotic fluid is too low and the baby is in danger, the baby may need to be delivered before its due date. This can result in oxygen deprivation which can cause brain damage and other complications. The lack of amniotic fluid can cause the umbilical cord to be squished or compressed. A baby with IUGR may suffer significant health problems, including cerebral palsy and neurological issues. It is diagnosed when a fetus’s estimated weight is too low for its gestational age. This is also known as fetal growth restriction. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR).Without sufficient amniotic fluid, a baby is at risk of suffering serious health complications from: It is your doctor’s responsibility to recognize this problem, to inform you of the risks, and to recommend treatment. After that, it begins to diminish.Īt any time during your pregnancy, you could have too little amniotic fluid to adequately protect your baby at that specific point in your baby’s gestational development. It typically increases until around week 36 and peaks at about one quart. The amount of amniotic fluid fluctuates during pregnancy. Protect the umbilical cord which provides nourishment for the baby.
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According to the March of Dimes, amniotic fluid is necessary to:
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